Memphis Grizzlies vs Utah Jazz
PREVIEW: The Utah Jazz bring a quick-tempo attack and solid ball movement to Memphis, though their offensive spacing remains problematic and their perimeter shooting ranks among the league's worst at 26th. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies lean heavily on post-up opportunities and operate at the eighth-fastest pace, but their rim defense has proven vulnerable. Keyonte George continues to carry Utah's offensive load, averaging nearly 24 points and over six assists per game , and his playmaking will be crucial given Memphis' tendency to allow opponents to attempt over 43 percent of shots from beyond the arc. The Grizzlies counter with a preference for inside scoring, ranking second in post-up frequency, though their own perimeter defense remains a significant liability .
Both squads enter this matchup reeling from recent struggles, with Memphis desperately seeking to break a four-game losing streak against a Jazz team sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. The Grizzlies have managed just two wins in their last ten contests while opponents have averaged over 121 points against them , exposing the same defensive weaknesses evident in their shot-quality profile. The Jazz likewise have won only three of their recent ten, though they've kept most games competitive with efficient field-goal shooting. Utah's core challenge remains their weak perimeter defense, ranking dead last at 29th, which should create scoring opportunities for a Memphis team capable of punishing such vulnerabilities from distance.